27.3 - Condensation Polymers

Question 1

How are polyesters formed from:

I. 1 monomer

II. 2 monomers

Answer 1

One Monomer

• The monomer must contain a carboxylic acid (or acyl chloride) and an alcohol (on the same molecule)
• They are then reacted together
  
  • The OH is removed from the carboxylic acid and the H from the alcohol
• Forming a polyester and n-1 H₂O

Two Monomers

• 1 diol + 1 dicarboxylic acid
• Forming the polyester and 2n-1 H₂O

Question 2

How are amides formed?

Answer 2

Primary amide; acyl chloride + ammonia

Secondary amide: acyl chloride + 1^o amine

Question 3

How are polyamides formed?

Answer 3

One monomer:

• The monomer has the functional groups of a carboxylic acid (or acyl chloride) and an amine

Two monomers:

• A diamine and a dicarboxylic acid
• Remove OH from carboxyl and H from amine

Question 4

How are polyesters hydrolysed?

Answer 4

Acid Hydrolysis

+ H⁺/H₂O = alcohol + carboxylic acid

Base Hydrolysis

+ NaOH/H₂O = carboxylate salt + alcohol

Question 5

How are polyamides hydrolysed?

Answer 5

Acid Hydrolysis

+ H⁺/H₂O = carboxylic acid + NH₃⁺

Alkali Hydrolysis

+ NaOH/H₂O = NH₂ + carboxylate salt